Justin Masterson comes up from AA Portland to cover for all of the ailing starters, giving WAY more that he was ever expected to give: 6 brilliant innings of 1-run ball, only giving up 2 hits (including a solo home run) while walking 4 and striking out 4–and what happens? The wheels completely come off the bus in the 7th inning, when the bullpen gave up 4 runs in the frame–and of course, it was all the dreaded “inherited runners scoring” crap–Surprisingly, Mike Timlin, king of the inherited runner, was nowhere to be found this time around. It was actually Okajima who really bollocked this one up, allowing all 3 inherited runners to score.

I reallyREALLY think this rule needs to be revisited…yes, the pitcher who put the batter on base should take some of the credit/blame for that–but isn’t the next pitcher, by the very fact he is replacing the original pitcher (who is probably being taken out in the middle of an inning because he wasn’t getting the job done) supposed to stop the bleeding? And shouldn’t that show up in his ERA?

And let’s note that Masterson only threw 95 pitches over 6 innings–and average of 15.8 pitches per inning (an average inning should be about 15). Are you taking notes, Nibblers?

At least the Sox managed to only lose the last 2 games, going 5-2 on this home stand–and all of this battling the flu and losing 2 starters on very late notice…

But it looks like the team is on the mend–Josh Beckett resumed baseball activities on Thursday, and is on track to make his next scheduled start on Sunday, against Tampa Bay. IT also looks like Jason Varitek may be back behind the plate for Saturday’s start (with Wake pitching tonight, its Kevin Cash’s normal turn–and his 5th straight start…) Daisuke, despite staying in Boston while the team travels to Tampa Bay, is also on track for his next start, which is Tuesday at the Fens, against the Blue Jays…From Tito: “This has been pretty unique…We’ve been doing some scrambling. I do think this is where being together for a while comes into play — where it helps. Theo and Jed [Hoyer, Asst GM] are in there, and it’s like, ‘OK, here’s what we do.’ They know me. Our conversations are quick. We get to where we want to go. I think it’s helpful.”

The bidding for the Big Papi Jersey buried (and then dug up) at Skankee Stadium ended last night–and the total over 280+ bidders? $175,100, from a car lot owner in Mendon….All of the money raised goes to the Jimmy Fund…

Welcome back–Bryan Corey? When the Sox send Justin Masterson back to AA Portland, they called up their newest Pawtucket signee—Bryan Corey, who was designated for assignment 2 weeks ago, then he was a free agent, then he signed with Pawtucket, and now he is back in the show…Go figure…

Looks like we won’t be seeing Bobby Kielty for a while, as he just had surgery in his left hand to correct a bone spur. He has been on Pawtucket’s DL since last week… The injury/surgery is expected to take 4-6 to heal…

Tonight: Tim Wakefield will take the mound at Tropicana Field, where he completely lights out, owning a 9-1 record with a 2.41 ERA at the dome. Matt Garza gets the start for the Rays. 1st pitch 7:10pm…